There are several ingredients necessary for a team to have a strong pass defense. A good defensive line that can both handle the running game and get after the quarterback is crucial.

It also helps to have versatile linebackers who are equally adept at playing the run and dropping into coverage.

But you need talented players on the back end to stick with receivers and make touchdown-saving tackles.

Here are the SEC’s five best secondaries (on paper, anyway) heading into the 2016 season:

5. TENNESSEE

Cameron Sutton’s decision to return to Knoxville for his senior season keeps this group in the top five. Sutton, Justin Martin and Emmanuel Moseley are back to man the corner spots for the Volunteers. However, LaDarrell McNeil and Brian Randolph both depart, leaving two holes at the starting safety spots.

Evan Berry, who’s dealing with an injury this spring, and Todd Kelly Jr. saw plenty of time at safety in reserve roles last fall and should be up to the challenge of becoming full-time starters.

  • Star player: CB Cameron Sutton

4. LSU

Like at Tennessee, the return of a standout corner bolsters LSU’s secondary. Tre’Davious White and Kevin Tolliver II (out for spring after shoulder surgery) bring talent and starting experience to the corner back spots, while Jamal Adams had 67 tackles and four interceptions from his strong safety spot.

Corey Thompson and Rickey Jefferson are the top contenders for the starting free safety spot, and both gained valuable experience last season. Newcomer Saivion Smith could compete for playing time as well.

  • Star player: CB Tre’Davious White

3. FLORIDA

Vernon Hargreaves III may have left early for the NFL, but Florida may still have the league’s best corner in Jalen Tabor. Tabor picked off four passes last fall and brought two of them back for scores. He’ll start opposite Quincy Wilson, while Duke Dawson could serve as the nickel back.

Marcus Maye recorded 82 tackles and five forced fumbles last season as a starter at safety. Marcell Harris figures to get the first crack at replacing Keanu Neal, who joined Hargreaves in declaring early for the draft.

  • Star player: CB Jalen Tabor

2. GEORGIA

The nation’s top-rated pass defense (by yards per game allowed) returns every starter from its secondary, led by standout safety Dominick Sanders. Sanders tied for the league lead with six interceptions and lines up along side Quincy Mauger, who was fifth on the team with 58 tackles.

Aaron Davis and Malkom Parrish return as the starting corners, and three of the four backups on last year’s two-deep will also be back.

  • Star player: S Dominick Sanders

1. ALABAMA

Georgia may have the better statistics, but Alabama arguably has more potential NFL talent in its back four. Safety Eddie Jackson, who’s out for spring with a leg injury, shared the league’s interception lead with Sanders and returned two of them for touchdowns. Ronnie Harrison may get the first shot at the other safety spot vacated by Geno Matias-Smith.

Cyrus Jones’ departure leaves a hole at corner opposite rising sophomore Marlon Humphrey. Minkah Fitzpatrick spent last season covering slot receivers and looked like one of the best young corners in the country. Tony Brown faces team suspensions but should contribute. Young players like Hootie Jones, Maurice Smith and Kendall Sheffield all are pushing to contribute as well.

  • Star player: S Eddie Jackson